Underrunning: meaning, definitions and examples

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underrunning

 

[ ʌndərˈrʌnɪŋ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

mechanical engineering

Underrunning refers to a failure mode in which a component or mechanism experiences an unintended movement underneath another part, often resulting in a malfunction or decreased efficiency. This term is commonly used in the context of gears and machinery, where proper alignment is crucial for optimal performance.

Synonyms

failure, malfunction, misalignment

Examples of usage

  • The underrunning of the gear caused significant wear.
  • Engineers must consider underrunning in their designs.
  • Underrunning can lead to system failures in machinery.

Word origin

The term 'underrunning' is derived from the prefix 'under-', which denotes a position below or beneath, combined with the verb 'run', indicating movement or operation. Its usage in mechanical contexts likely emerged with the increased complexity of machinery in the industrial revolution, where precise movements and alignments were critical to prevent operational failures. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as engineering disciplines evolved, the term became more formally recognized in technical literature to describe specific failure modes in machines and mechanisms, contributing to safety and efficiency standards in engineering practices.